Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
formerly a subfamily (Crambinae) of Pyralidae
Numbers
about 850 species in 9 subfamilies in North America listed at
All-Leps
about 11,630 described species in 15 subfamilies in the world
Size
small to medium size: wingspan usually 10-35 mm
Identification
proboscis with scales at base; tympanal organs (ears) at base of abdomen ventrally and 'opened' anteriomedially (visible in anteriorly-angled lateral view)
Habitat
in or on terrestrial or aquatic vegetation; one group lives only in nests of arboreal ants
Food
larvae are stem borers, root feeders, leaf tiers, leaf miners
Remarks
includes many economically important pest species
Internet References
family characteristics plus biology and references (Gerald Fauske, Moths of North Dakota)
taxonomic classification including subfamilies and species numbers (Brian Pitkin, Butterflies and Moths of the World)
